One of Luke's friends just got engaged. They are throwing an engagement BBQ at their house to celebrate. I asked the bride to be if they were registered and she replied no - that we should just come and have fun.
Of course we will give them something - but what?
Other facts: - I dont really know the bride well. She seems sweet and is a crafty type of person but I dont know enough about her likes/dislikes to have a perfect gift in mind. - Not sure but her wedding may take place on a cruise or something like that so she probably doesnt need the traditional wedding stuff like a guestbook, etc.. - The couple already lives together and they are in their late twenties. - He moonlights in a bar/restaurant so liquor is not a good gift for them.
Ideas?
alina
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Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..
Stef: We had a little mini engagement party/housewarming for only our friends. Most common present were flutes/margarita glasses, and I absolutely loved them as a present granted we didn't have any before.
We also had a guest bring in a fancy shmancy bottle of champaigne, that we openned right there.
I also got a cake plate and a vase set, that I currently don't have a use for.
Other people brought flowers.
Given your crafty skills, what about donating your 'photo/guestbook services' for this party and snapping a few shots and making a scrapbook.
I would have loved something like that.
Sassyz75
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Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..
This is a gift I love- make them a 'fun' kit- a few board games, 2 beer steins, a six pack of great beer, etc. Everyone needs to have trivial pursuit in their house- and uno & or maybe a poker chip set?
Scoop
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Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..
Crate & Barrel has some cute stuff. I recently bought my cousin a Japanese cook book with all the dinner accessories. This was for a homewarming gift but she loved it.
I'm sorry...I'm not creative at all.
Mary
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I like the cookbook ideas, but maybe add some theme-related accessories (if Chinese, add some fancy chopsticks; if Italian, maybe a pasta bowl, etc.)
Teri
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Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..
What about something cute from Williams Sonoma? Everyone seems to like that store! Like a small basket of things useful but not essential? That would work well for a couple that already lives together too
Sonicstef
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Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..
Thanks everyone!
My first thought was to get them Tiffany toasting flutes b/c who doesnt like to get the blue box...but after I found out they may not have a traditional wedding I scratched that.
The board game thing is just adorable but I know this guy doesnt do the board games and Im not sure about her.
The photo guestbook doesnt work for them since Im sure they would never let me 'work' the party. Maybe I will bring my camera to take photos though and send them to her so that is a nice idea.
Cookbooks and stuff...that might work since I think she enjoys cooking.
Keep the ideas coming pls!
alina
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Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..
Stef, do they frequently have company over... In that case, a set of nice crystal glasses will do.
Sonicstef
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Good crystal is definitely out of my budget for this gift. :D
Sonicstef
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This is something I would have appreciated but Im not sure if this is there style - what do you think?
Photo Gifts: Give her these items with a note that I will send her the photos I take at their party.
Photo Coasters $29.95
Customize your coasters with photos of your choice.
• Crate and Barrel exclusive • Dark stain maple veneer base • Four glass coasters • Vinyl sleeves within each coaster protect a 1.75'x2.5” photo
Burgundy Photo Album $17.95 Simple and functional, this handsome burgundy album has the appeal of leather.
• A great memory book for a collection of your prized photos • Worthy of coffee table display • Easy-care polyurethane • Holds 144 4'x6” photos, four per side per page
Misty
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Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..
Someone gave me this at my e-party.
They are really really cute...and you could do a basket with them if you're feeling adventurous. They also gave me a cheese shaker...you can throw that in, maybe with a Blockbuster gift certificate, some gourmet popcorn...and whatever else you come up with! You can even use the big Popcorn bowl as the 'basket' itself. They are ceramic....from Crate and Barrel.
LisaT
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Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..
If you like the Tiffany idea, how about other items from there they could get use out of...(priced similarly to the toasting flutes)
ice bucket, cocktail glasses, candlesticks...
xjulietx
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Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..
I know this may sound cheesey, but maybe the meaning of their names side by side and framed. You know the ones they have in the kiosks in the mall? If you pick a subtle background paper and a nice frame, it can look nice and it represents their union.
If they live together and have everything, they may like something personal.
Sonicstef
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Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..
Misty: The popcorn bowls are very cute and definitely an option. My concern is that they live in an apartment with limited cabinet space. Knowing the woes of limited cabinet space, I wouldnt want to create anything that would be more of a hassle to store than it would be worth. Case in point - if I go those, they would have to go into the basement b/c I have no space to keep popcorn specific bowls.
LisaT: I dont think they will have much use for Tiffany stuff other than the wedding related flutes. And b/c of their limited cabinet space, they probably would have to stow anything like that. I could be wrong though....must ask Luke.
Juliet: Thanks although I dont think I know their apt decor well enough to give them anything like that. They might feel like they HAVE to put it up out of courtesy even if they hate it.
I swear, if I am the most picky person when giving gifts right? Am I the only one who puts so much thought into these things?
alina
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Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..
Stef, what's your budget? Also, how soon do you need them? Is there a way for you to get to a TJ maxx outside of Manhattan... Very often they have excellent crystal (judging by the brand names, lead % and the cha-ching sound).
I also know that Macy's sometimes has huge crystal sales.
I like the photo album idea but not the coaster idea. I would feel weird using the coaters with pictures in them.
Have you been to their house? what is their style?
LisaT
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Stef - boy do I understand that! All my wedding gifts are at my moms!
Sonicstef
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Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..
Budget is about $50-100 depending upon the item. The party is the weekend after next so I want to make sure I have something in my hand by next week. I wouldnt get them anything from a discount store since that causes issues when returning stuff. Plus, good crystal (Bacarat, etc.) even at a discount is still way too expensive to get them anything worthwhile.
alina
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Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..
Stef, I just read your post on the limited space.
Ok, so in that case my suggestions just changed to something non-tangible and more entertainment related (a broadway show tix, tix to cirque du soleil, a spa getaway for 2, etc.). Given that they have non-traditional wedding planned, have lived together for a while and accumulated all the kitchen stuff and have no space.
I also liked someone's suggestion previously to give some household luxury items that they may not have wanted to spend money on their own.
Sonicstef
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Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..
'a broadway show tix, tix to cirque du soleil, a spa getaway for 2, etc.' All excellent ideas but way, way, way out of my budget. Something like that is in the $200 plus range.
'some household luxury items' Im into that but what? Ive never done inventory at their house so I have no clue what they have/dont have.
shelzyp
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Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..
Stef - I have no advice for things to get them, everyone has had some good ideas, but I wanted to let you know, that it is great that you spend so much effort and time in your gifts. I am sure that it shows, I too try to find the perfect gifts and know how stressful this is!
